Jurgen Klopp isn’t focusing on strengthening the centre of Liverpool’s defence this summer despite links with in-demand Ajax centre-back Matthijs de Ligt, according to the Liverpool Echo .

The 19-year-old – who partners Virgil van Dijk at centre-back for the Netherlands – has attracted plenty of admirers following his displays in helping Ajax to the Champions League semi-finals, while captaining the Dutch giants to their first Eredivisie title since 2014.

Barcelona are thought to be the most likely destination for the teenager who has been dubbed the best young defender in the world, with the Catalans having already secured the signature of De Ligt’s Ajax teammate Frenkie de Jong for next season.

De Ligt is expected to join Barcelona (Image: AFP/Getty Images)

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De Ligt is expected to cost around £65million, but Klopp is thought to be happy enough with the central defensive options he currently has at his disposal.

Joe Gomez enjoyed an excellent first half of the season alongside Van Dijk before he broke his leg in a game at Burnley , while Joel Matip has enjoyed a remarkable resurgence in recent months as he’s been key to the Reds reaching the Champions League final.

Klopp has transfer priorities elsewhere (Image: REUTERS)

Dejan Lovren is also still trusted by his manager, while there is great excitement at Liverpool about the potential of 17-year-old defender Ki-Jana Hoever, who made his first-team debut in January and was part of the Dutch side that won the Under-17 European Championships on Sunday.

Klopp has priorities elsewhere in his side, namely looking for cover at full-back and in attack.

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Alberto Moreno will leave Anfield when his contract expires this summer, and Klopp will target a left-back who can also provide cover on the right to replace him.

Another player who will be out of contract is Daniel Sturridge, and the 29-year-old is likely to make way for a more versatile attacker who can also play out wide in a front three and act as cover for Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.

Divock Origi and Rhian Brewster will then provide cover for Roberto Firmino.

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